Family waits to hear from relatives in Haiti

A lot of people in southern California have ties to Haiti. Many of them are still waiting for word about their loved ones. Eyewitness News spoke with one family from San Bernardino.

Like many reacting to the earthquake, San Bernardino residents Lyonel and Florence Douge can't believe the images they're seeing.

"It's amazing, my heart, I feel ache in my heart for the people, for the country as a whole," said Lyonel.

"It's unbelievable, because when I saw that big cloud of dust, that's when I said, 'Oh my god that city is leveled. There's nothing left,'" said Lyonel's wife, Florence.

But this couple has much more personal ties to the devastation. They were both born in Haiti. They started dating in Haiti. And they both have brothers who live in the country. At this point, they've heard nothing. They only have two pictures that they hold tightly in their hands.

"And we haven't heard anything from them since the earthquake," said Lyonel.

For days, the Douges have not left their San Bernardino home. They're just waiting, hoping for any kind of information.

"That's the worst part, not being able to know, and have an answer," said Lyonel.

They say this disaster has really put things in perspective. Like many, the economy has hit the Douge family hard. But those problems now seem like nothing.

"I'm not working right now and I'm trying to learn something in order to find a better job and I wish I could send a bundle of money," said Florence. "Every country is trying to help that little island and from the bottom of our hearts, we are so grateful and that means that God is putting blessings all around."

They're holding out hope they'll get good news. For now though, all they can do is wait.